



■ 



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THE LAST YEAR 



LIFE OF 



Christopher Healy, 



Bucks County, Pennsylvania. 



G. W. B 

i 88a. 



PHILADELPHIA : 

Printing House of John P. Murphy, 

227 South Fifth St. 






T>$ 



0^ 






THE LAST YEAR 



OF THE 



Life of Christopher Healy. 



At the beginning of summer in the year 
18*30, Christopher Healy was dwelling at his 
pleasant residence in the southern part of 
Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His earthly 
pilgrimage had been extended to near four 
score years, and the outward man was feeble ; 
but age sat serenely upon his countenance, 
and he was lively in spirit. Surrounded by 
temporal comforts, and diffusing a generous 
hospitality, his friends were warmly welcomed 
at his dwelling, and edified by his interesting 
and instructive conversation. The most of his 
coevals, with whom he had taken sweet coun- 
sel and walked in company, had passed away, 



4 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

but his faithful wife was still spared to him. 
The Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of which 
he was a member, had granted credentials, 
leaving him at liberty to perform a religious 
visit to his native New England, and appoint 
public meetings there as truth might open the 
way ; and he looked forward to the accom- 
plishment of this service as a probable even- 
ing sacrifice. In the performance of this visit 
C. was accompanied by his wife S. M. H., an 
Elder, and also by Gr. W. B., a Friend, of his 
own neighborhood, from whose memoranda the 
following account has been taken ; both had 
certificates, suitable to the occasion, from the 
monthly meeting of which they were members. 
In the progress of this religious visit, C. 
attended forty-seven meetings, to all of which 
public invitation had been extended. He also 
had considerable service in a more private way, 
in companies, in families, with individuals, in 
conversations ; and received much kindness 
and favor from the people generally amongst 
whom his lot was cast. 



OF CRISTOPHEK HEALY. 



Our little company left home on the morn- 
ing of the 20th of 6th month, 1850, and was 
received at New York city by one of C's 
nephews, who conducted us to his own dwell- 
ing, where C. met with two of his children, a 
son and daughter by former marriage. They 
manifested affectionate attachment to their 
father, and he appeared to be gratified with 
their company ; but the son being a prominent 
minister amongst those who separated from 
Friends in the year 1827, was evidently a 
drawback upon the gratification, as it ob- 
structed the flow of gospel fellowship which, 
added to natural affection, doubly endears 
children to their piously concerned parents. 

At 5 o'clock in the afternoon, went aboard 
the steamer bound for Stonington, 115 miles 
distant. Leaving this noted metropolis, the 
great resort and mart of the western continent, 
"checkered with all complexions of mankind, 
and spotted with all crimes," yet, doubtless, 
possessing many inhabitants who are bright 
examples of Christian virtue, and for the sake 
of such as are worthy, the great city may be 



6 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 

spared in the hours of peril. Passed several 
benevolent institutions located upon islands 
surrounded by the waters of the East River ; 
one of these was the accommodations for the 
poor of the city : whatever appertains to suffer- 
ing humanity and the welfare of souls, appears 
to be interesting to C, and his observations 
thereon are often very instructive. Nor were 
the works of the Creator's hand, the demon- 
strations of his power, and the extension of 
his favors, passed by entirely unnoticed ; the 
wild and turbulent Hurlgate, the bold and 
picturesque banks, the variegated and pleasing 
landscapes, the important and attractive water- 
way ; the coming storm, the rushing winds, 
the agitated waters, the torrents of rain, the 
thunder and the lightning ; the lifting clouds, 
the radiant sunset, the beautiful sky, the puri- 
fied atmosphere, the surrounding calm, the 
slowly waning twilight ; and although scenes 
such as these, most likely would attract but 
little attention from travelers generally, yet 
in company with our beloved friend C, whose 
contemplative mind is so well qualified to 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 



draw lessons of instruction, even from wavside 
and familiar objects, and to impart them in 
their fulness and freshness to others, the situa- 
tion becomes interesting, and there is evidence 
that he occupies a peculiar gift, much of the 
value thereof becoming utilized through the 
current conversations of e very-day life. 

The evening was spent in one of the spa- 
cious and extravagantly furnished rooms of 
the Steamer, and it proved to be an interesting 
season. C. entered into conversation with a 
man from Boston, and as they proceeded, 
others gathered around them, until the number 
amounted to a large proportion of the numer- 
ous passengers. About five at times took part 
in the subjects introduced, and it was thought 
that our. dear friend was favored to answer 
their inquiries and suggestions discretely, and 
to address suitable counsel and admonition to 
the company collectively. The feelings of the 
people were evidently enlisted, and expressions 
of satisfaction and approbation were heard from 
several individuals. This opportunit}^ ]asted 
about two hours, and is further evidence of the 



8 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

religious solicitude which C. has so long man- 
ifested for the best welfare of those not of our 
society, of the peculiar grasp which he secures 
upon the minds of many of these, and of 
his extraordinary faculty for interesting their 
thoughts and feelings. Arrived at Stonington 
about midnight, where most of the passengers 
immediately left for Boston ; but we remained 
quietly in our floating lodgings until morning. 

6th month, 21st. Took passage by railway 
for Westerly, and found kind friends and hos- 
pitable entertainment there. At this place C. 
met with J. W., one of his ancient and life- 
long friends. The greeting between the two 
aged patriarchs was cordial. They had been 
friends in early life, and that friendship had 
been cemented by long years of gospel labor 
and fellowship, and both were now tottering 
o'er the grave. A meeting at C.'s request is 
appointed to be held at Westerly to-morrow 
afternoon at 4 o'clock. 

6th month, 22d. The appointed meeting 
proved to be quite a large assemblage, and it 
was thought that C. was favored to declare 4 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 9 



some of the truths of the gospel in a good 
degree of right authority. Westerly contains 
many manufacturing establishments, and judg- 
ing from the numerous houses for public wor- 
ship, there are various religious sects in the 
place. Rode nine miles to Hopkinton, and 
met with kind entertainment there. 

6th month, 23d. First day, attended meet- 
ing at Hopkinton ; the morning was wet, and 
the meeting perhaps smaller in consequence, 
but a considerable number attended, and C. 
was thought lively in his testimony. A meet- 
ing had been appointed to be held in a school - 
house, one and a half miles distant, in the State 
of Connecticut, at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. 
This building stands on the opposite side of 
the road from the site of the old one (now de- 
molished) where C. received school instruction 
in his youthful days, and had taught school 
for several years. Thither we pursued our 
way at the time appointed, and arrived before 
the conclusion of the meeting of seventh day 
Baptists there assembled. Their minister was 
exhorting with energy, but we remained on the 



10 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

outside of the house until the breaking up of 
the congregation ; when, after a short respite, 
the people again took their seats, and several 
others coming in, a large meeting assembled. 
A solemnity soon spread over us, and C. was 
soon moved to administer word and doctrine, 
exhortation and reproof; which was thought 
to be with demonstration of the Spirit and 
with power. He stood at least one and three- 
quarter hours, and taking into consideration 
the length of time most of the audience had 
been sitting previous to the commencement of 
our meeting, it was admirable to see the quiet 
and order that prevailed. A manifestation 
of interest and solemnity continued through- 
out, and the opportunity closed comfortably. 
Several of C.'s scholars and old acquaintances 
came round him after meeting, and apparently 
gave him the hand of cordial friendship, as 
did also the two Baptist ministers in attend- 
ance. It was remarked respecting the con- 
gregation that frequents this house, that their 
minister had produced much agitation amongst 
them, but that which may be compared to the 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 11 

whirlwind and the earthquake being past, they 
were then in a condition to hear the " still small 
voice." The distant views are pleasing, but- 
most of the ground being excessively stony, 
although it appears to possess a good degree 
of fertility, renders the near prospect less 
interesting. 

6th month, 24th. Those of our own little com- 
pany, and some others, walked a short distance 
to visit the burial-ground and site of the old 
Hopkinton Meeting- House. There are many 
interesting associations connected with this 
place. It was here that C. attended meeting 
in early life ; it was here that he came forward 
in the ministry ; it was here that he first mar- 
ried ; and in these grounds the remains of his 
mother are laid. Here, too, appear the graves 
of others of his deceased friends, and also those 
of the worthies of earlier generations. There 
was observable two solitarv mounds beneath a 
spreading oak; these, said one of the company, 
are the graves of my precious daughters, one 
died at the time of my absence in England, 
and the other shortly after my return. Recog- 



12 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

nizing the solemnity of these cherished asso- 
ciations, and mingling our better feelings with 
those of our beloved friend, C, it was manifest 
that we all felt the impressiveness of the situa- 
tion ; and as the pilgrimage drew to a close, 
left the interesting premises with hearts tend- 
ered, and feeling thnt it was good for us to have 
been there. 

In the afternoon, moved forward in order to 
attend an appointed meeting. Arrangements 
had been perfected to hold it in the vestry of a 
Calvin Baptist meeting-house, and information 
was spread accordingly through the factories 
and schools. This place of worship is located 
at Bushville, between two manufacturing vil- 
lages, each half a mile distant. Thither we 
repaired at the hour appointed, accompanied 
by some of our friends, but not a solitary 
individual had arrived, and the door of the 
house was locked. We abode in the patience 
for half an hour, but still no other signs of 
a gathering appeared. At length one man 
came, and he informed us that the key was 
kept at the lower village. Soon after a .boy 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 13 

driving some cows drew near, and being a 
friendly disposed little fellow, he was asked if 
he would procure the key for us, to which he 
readily assented. The aforesaid man sat for a 
few minutes on the steps, and then went away, 
and we were again left to ourselvfes until the 
return of the little boy, who informed that 
owing to the absence of the custodian of the 
key, it was then at the upper village. One of 
our company volunteered to go for it, and we 
again found ourselves solitary until a little 
girl came and stood near us. At this time the 
prospect of holding a meeting looked really 
discouraging, and serious thoughts were enter- 
tained of giving it up ; but at length the key 
was produced, and information that way did 
not open to suspend operations in the factories 
until the usual time, which was after sunset, 
but that the people would convene as soon as 
possible afterwards. The door w r as unlocked, 
and we took our seats in the house, and about 
half-past eight o'clock a large company assem- 
bled, entering the room in an orderly manner, 
and sitting very quietly. A solemnity evi- 



14 THE LAST YEAH OF THE LIFE 

clently soon spread over us, and C. was soon 
drawn forth in testimony and counsel, which 
continued about one and a half hours. It was 
not so much a doctrinal sermon as a persuasive 
exhortation, and particularly adapted to those 
young in years. This opportunity was mani- 
festly owned by Israel's Shepherd, Grospel love 
and power distilled as the clew, and as the 
gentle rain upon the tender plant, and was 
apparently received and relished with much 
cordiality. The meeting was appointed to be 
held at seven, and it closed about ten o'clock. 
One of our company proposed paying for the 
lights, but the answer was " No, you have 
nothing to pay ; we are thankful for the meet- 
ing." Doubtless, there were hearts clothed 
with reverent gratitude for the peculiar favors 
vouchsafed this day. 

6th month, 25th. Moved forward towards 
South Kingston, fifteen miles distant; crossed 
the Wood river at the manufacturing village 
of Hope Valley, and wending our way for a 
few miles through a not very fertile district 
of country, called at the residence of the widow 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 15 



of one of C.'s brothers ; the long separated 
relations met, and parted affectionately, and 
we moved onward. The country continued to 
present the same rugged and not very attract- 
ive aspect, but we passed through a thriving 
manufacturing village. These tokens of en- 
terprise, skill and thrift, sometimes contrast 
strangely with the surroundings. We also 
passed through a reservation belonging to a 
remnant of the Narragansett Indians. They 
are now much reduced in number, and are 
considerably mixed with African blood ; we 
met one woman bearing strongly the marks of 
pure aboriginal descent, and one man evidently 
of the amalgamated race. C. had upon former 
occasions held religious meetings amongst 
them, and he had been looking forward to a 
similar attainment at this time ; but it was 
ascertained that many of them are absent from 
the reservation at this season of the year, and 
it is not likely that any considerable number 
can be collected. They also have degenerated 
into more dissolute habits, have now no settled 
minister, and their meetings for worship are 



16 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

suspended. Alas ! for the poor Indians. — A 
remnant of the Penobscot tribe recently pass- 
ing through this part of the country, pitched 
their tents in this neighborhood, where they 
were attacked by a disease, which soon swept 
fourteen of them from the face of the earth. 
C. has long manifested a Christian sympathy 
and earnest desire for the welfare of the Indian, 
and I believe that it is unabated now, but it 
does not appear that a satisfactory visit can 
be made amongst them at this time ; it is 
therefore left for the present. Continued our 
travel through a part of the country much of 
the way uninhabited, until w r e approached the 
flat land bordering on the Atlantic. From 
the brow of the hill which skirts this land- 
scape, more attractive scenery presented ; the 
flat land is thickly settled and quite produc- 
tive, and with the sea view beyond presented 
a pleasing picture. We found entertainment 
at the hospitable dwelling of kind friends, who 
not only were diligent in their demonstrations 
to make us comfortable, but w r ere instru- 
mental in procuring the appointment of a 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 17 

meeting to be held in a Baptist meeting-house 
(not far distant) to-morrow afternoon at 3 
o'clock, and in endeavoring to gather the 
people thereto. 

Qth month, 26/h. Took a walk after break- 
fast to an eminence called Green Hill, which 
is an extensive pasturage ; from this elevation 
was presented a beautiful view of the Atlantic 
Ocean, and we saw numerous beds of oyster 
shells on the highland, where the poor Indians 
were wont to regale themselves in days that 
have long since passed away. 

At the appointed hour we proceeded to 
attend the appointed meeting; it proved large, 
and through the condescending goodness of 
Israel's Shepherd, who was evidently mouth 
and wisdom, tongue and utterance, to our dear 
aged, but still earnest friend, it proved a 
tendering and doubtless a profitable season ; 
many expressions of satisfaction therewith 
were afterwards heard. Rode about two miles 
to the abode of one who is not a member, but 
her three daughters had recently been admitted 
into the fold on the ground of convincement ; 



18 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

the family were all kind, and we spent an 
agreeable evening with them and others, and 
tarried at their dwelling until morning. The 
view seaward is beautiful, and the sea breezes 
refreshing. 

6th month, 27th. Left our comfortable 
quarters this morning, and riding about five 
miles, stopped at the habitation of the widow 
of another of C.'s brothers ; their greeting was 
affectionate, and she blessed the Lord for the 
visit. She is about eighty years of age, and 
retains her mental faculties scarcely impaired, 
and also her retentive memory ; her son and 
daughter appeared gratified with their uncle's 
company. After dining with the family we 
proceeded another five miles onward, to a 
manufacturing village called Kenyon's Mills, 
and stopped at the abode of a widow not a 
member of any religious sect; but her house 
and heart were open to receive us, and we 
were kindly cared for by herself, her sister, her 
son and four intelligent daughters ; and when 
a meeting was proposed, she freely offered 
their large house for that purpose. The offer 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 19 

was accepted, and the meeting appointed to be 
held at 8 o'clock in the evening ; but C. had 
not much service therein. 

6th month, 28th. Still moving onward and 
passing through several manufacturing vil- 
lages, we entered a railway car, and proceeding 
twenty miles were kindly received at the 
attractive residence of a friend, located on a 
fertile farm lying at the outskirts of East 
Greenwich. A meeting is appointed to be 
held at the Methodist meeting-house to- 
morrow afternoon at 4 o'clock. East Greenwich 
is the place of C.'s nativity. 

In the southern section of the State of 
Rhode Island, where we have visited, the best 
of building stone is very abundant, yet the 
dwellings are constructed very generally of 
wood ; a considerable proportion of them are 
one-story houses, but they are sj)read out 
and contain more internal space than might 
be supposed from external appearances, and 
the apartments are ingeniously and conve- 
niently arranged ; of course there are many 
costly and attractive dwellings. The agricul- 



20 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 

tural produce is largely pasturage and hay, 
which are said to be rich and nutricious. The 
products of the dairy are excellent, and also 
the beef and pork ; corn and rye are raised to 
moderate extent, and bread made from a com- 
bination of these articles is extensively pre- 
ferred to that manufactured from wheat flower. 
The soil or climate does not appear well 
adapted to the growth of wheat, and but very 
little of that grain is cultivated. In traveling- 
some of the public roads, we pass through a 
considerable number of gates, located at the 
dividing lines of the different farms through 
which the unfenced or unwalled road passes. 
Ornamental trees and shrubbery surrounding 
the dwellings do not appear to meet with very 
general favor — of course there are many excep- 
tions — and although much of the ground 
is excessively stony, and not remarkable for 
fertility, yet the inhabitants appear to thrive 
and live well upon their unkindly soil, and 
perhaps generally desire no better location. 
But in manufacturing enterprise they excel, 
and the land produce of the locality not being 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 21 

sufficient for the sustenance of the population, 
they draw a portion of their supplies from dis- 
tant places. 

6th month, 29th. Attended the appointed 
meeting ; invitation had been spread exten- 
sively, but the gathering was not large, and C. 
was not largely engaged in testimony therein ; 
but another is appointed to be held at the 
same place at 5 o'clock to-morrow afternoon. 
People not of our religious society do not often 
freely leave their business to attend religious 
meetings on w x eek-davs. 

6th month, 30th — First day. Rode about six 
miles to a Baptist place of worship, where a 
meeting had been appointed to be held at 10 
o'clock in the forenoon. C. had formerly held 
several favored meetings at this house, and he 
appeared to feel an unusual drawing thither at 
this time. The gathering proved large. Quiet 
and good order prevailed, and a solemnity 
soon spread as a canopy over us ; under which 
precious covering C. arose and handed forth 
doctrine, reproof, instruction in righteousness 
and encouragement. He stood at least one 



22 THE LAST YEAK OF THE LIFE 

and a half hours, and it was thought 4 that our 
hearts were contrited and solemnized together ; 
and although most of the audience were Bap- 
tists, and perhaps relied confidently upon the 
efficacy of the outward element, yet somewhat 
of the baptism of the Spirit was surely felt 
amongst us. At 5 o'clock in the afternoon we 
attended the meeting appointed at the Metho- 
dist place of worship in East Greenwich. It 
was supposed that the gathering would be 
large, and a considerable number did assemble; 
but a funeral taking place at the same hour at 
the Baptist meeting-house, a large concourse 
of people assembled there. It is usual in this 
part of the world among the religious sects 
generally, to carry the remains to the place of 
worship where the assemblage of those inter- 
ested, and such ceremonial proceedings as are 
deemed suitable take place previous to inter- 
ment. Our meeting was doubtless smaller in 
consequence of the funeral ; nevertheless it 
proved a good meeting ; quietude and good 
order prevailed among the attentive audience, 
and it is reasonable to suppose that minds 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 23 

were instructed and hearts benefited under the 
solemnizing power of truth. 

7 th month, 1st Left our hospitable accom- 
modations this morning, proceeded about five 
miles westward, and met with kind entertain- 
ment in a Friend's family. A meeting had 
been appointed to be held in a . Methodist 
meeting-house at Centerville, at 7 o'clock in 
the evening, and thereunto we proceeded at 
the appointed hour, and settled into stillness 
about early candle-light. The wing of Divine 
Goodness was evidently spread over us ; a 
marked quietude prevailed, and apparently 
many hearts were solemnized together. Our 
dear friend C. was clothed with Grospel life 
and power, and ministered to an attentive 
audience in the authority of truth. This sea- 
son of favor closed about half-past nine o'clock. 

7 th month, 2d. This forenoon we rode to the 
dwelling of C.'s half brother, where we dined. 
The family were all kind, and some of them 
accompanied us to our appointed meeting, 
held at the Methodist place of worship in 
Fiskville, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The 



24 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

gathering was not large, and Gospel life and 
power did not appear to arise into dominion as 
much as at some other times. After the meet- 
ing we stopped at the house of an aged physi- 
cian. He is not now a member of any society, 
but is an old acquaintance of C.'s. The doctor 
is feeble, chiefly confined to his bed, and ap- 
pears to be drawing near the close of life. He 
m sensible of his situation, and looks forward 
to his dissolution with composure, testifying 
that the Lord is gracious to him. As our com- 
pany sat by his bedside, he asked that we might 
have a religious opportunity together, and those 
present gathered into stillness. After a time of 
silent waiting, C. was drawn forth in exercise 
of soul on his account, which, doubtless, was 
comforting to the aged sufferer. It proved a 
heart tendering season, and it was thought that 
the baptizing influence of heavenly love and 
power was felt amongst us. Rode several 
miles along the valley of the Pautuxent River, 
where the number and extent of the manufac- 
turing establishments is really surprising. The 
scenery is picturesque, the beauties of nature 



OF CHEISTOPHER HEALY. 25 

blended with theAvorks of art, and the evidence 
of intelligence and thrift, combined with the 
attractive aspect of the various factories, places 
of worship, and dwellings neat in appearance 
and pleasant in location, can scarcely fail to 
interest the eye and the mind of the traveler. 

7th month, 'id. The district of country which 
has been presented to our observation within 
the last few days, is attractive. The farms 
generally appear to be productive and well 
cultivated ; the buildings thereon, of liberal 
extent and rarely dilapidated, and the manu- 
factories are a marvel. The general appear- 
ance portrays a high grade of temporal pros- 
perity. 

7th month, 4th. Proceeded to the railway 
station at East Greenwich about 8 o'clock this 
morning. This being the anniversary of the 
signing of the Declaration, an abundance of 
people were in motion, and our feelings not 
being in unison with theirs, traveling under 
such circumstances was not very agreeable. 
We waited half an hour in the crowd, when 
the very long train of cars arrived laden with 



26 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 

a vast number of passengers ; there was some 
confusion, but we finally succeeded in obtaining 
comfortable accommodations, and rode about 
twenty miles to the city of Providence, where 
a kind Friend met us, and conducted us in his 
own conveyance about four miles further to 
Pautucket meeting. We gathered with quite 
a large number of other attenders, and I can- 
not doubt but that it was a profitable season 
throughout, although a portion thereof seemed 
laborious, and not very relieving to C.'s exer- 
cised mind. 

Near Providence, we passed Providence 
Boarding School ; it is a spacious and hand- 
some structure, its location high, and its situa- 
tion and grounds adjacent pleasing. We also 
passed the residence of the late venerable 
Moses Brown ; he was a Friend of great pos- 
sessions and of very large benevolence, yet his 
dwelling was neither large nor ostentatious. 
Also passed by the plantation where Job Scott 
resided previous to his embarkation for Eng- 
land; it is one of the best in the neighborhood, 
and still in possession of his descendants, but 



OF CHKISTOPHER HEALY. 27 

they have no connection with Friends. We 
likewise traveled upon a wide, solid, smooth, 
and beautifully finished road extending several 
miles northward from Providence, and bor- 
dered on each side by stately New England 
Elms. 

7th month, 5th. Visited the large cotton fac- 
tories belonging to some of our kind friends 
and entertainers, and passed through the pleas- 
ant promenade on the banks of the Blackstone 
River, which their private generosity have de- 
voted to the public benefit ; and in the after- 
noon proceeded to Providence, and took passage 
in the steamboat bound for Fall River. Passed 
Bristol, which it is said was formerly an exten- 
sive slave market; but that degrading traffic is 
no longer known in New England; its paraly- 
zing effects upon human energy is not now felt 
here ; the pursuit of honest industry has free 
scope and flourishes marvellously. After a 
pleasant passage of two hours' duration, ar- 
rived at Fall River, twenty-five miles distant 
from Providence, and were kindly conducted 
to the hospitable dwelling of a Friend, a little 
beyond the skirts of the city. 



28 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

7 th month, 7th — First day. Attended Friend's 
Meeting at Fall River, at half-past ten o'clock. 
The usual invitation to the public had been ex- 
tensively spread, many attended, and through 
the condescending goodness of the Head of 
the Church, who promised to be with those 
gathered together in his name, it proved a 
solemnizing season — something like the bap- 
tism of the one spirit into the one body. 
Words flowed freely, accompanied with Gospel 
life and power, and he that sowed and some 
that reaped rejoiced together. We attended 
the afternoon meeting at 3 o'clock. It was 
larger than that in the morning. As we as- 
sembled and sat in stillness, and I trust many 
of us truly gathered into the silence of all flesh, 
presenting our bodies a living sacrifice accept- 
able unto the Lord, He did manifest his Divine 
presence unto us, and permit us to partake a 
little of that stream which does refresh and 
make glad his heritage. C. arose, and in the 
authority of truth, handed forth doctrine and 
reproof, counsel and encouragement which, 
doubtless, fastened upon many minds. It felt 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 29 



to me that these opportunities were memorable 
seasons, and will not soon be forgotten by some. 

7 th month, 8th, Left Fall River about 6 o'clock 
this morning, and set our faces toward North 
Berwick in the State of Maine, one hundred and 
twenty-eight miles distant. Traveling by rail- 
way, and passing through various cities and 
villages, and through a country presenting a 
variety of aspects, and many interesting fea- 
tures, arrived at the place of our destination 
in the evening, and were cordially received at 
the abode of valued friends. 

7th month, 9th. Rode over a pleasant district 
of country, and called at several dwellings. In 
the afternoon were visited by numbers of the 
neighboring people. A meeting is appointed 
to be held in the Baptist meeting-house at 
North Berwick to-morrow afternoon. 

7 th month, 10th. Attended the appointed 
meeting; it proved large and favored. C. 
labored honestly, and some plain truths were 
spoken, especially in reference to forms and 
ceremonies, and qualification for the ministry. 
A part of his testimony was somewhat sharp ; 



30 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

but it apparently was well received, and many 
expressed satisfaction with the meeting. In 
the evening, our minds were painfully affected 
upon hearing the sad news from Philadelphia, 
a locality endeared to us by many interesting 
associations. A devouring fire, of unprece- 
dented extensiveness, has swept over a portion 
of that city ; the destruction of property is 
great, the loss of life considerable ; many homes 
are desolated, and formidable distress abounds. 
These dispensations convey lessons of instruc- 
tion, arouse thoughtful solicitude, and may be 
designed to awaken our understandings to a 
renewed sense of the uncertainty of terrestial 
enjoyments, and of the uncertainty of life ; 
and to invite us to lay up treasure which 
nothing earthly can destroy. 

7th month, 11th. Attended Friends' Meeting 
at North Berwick, and C. had considerable 
service by way of exhortation and counsel. 
Toward the conclusion he again arose, and in 
beautiful language, handed forth sympathy to 
this little company, who had passed through 
many tribulations and anxieties in endeavoring 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 31 



to guard the ancient faith of the Society, and 
in sustaining its order and discipline ; comfort 
and encouragement was extended to those who 
trulv mourn in Zion. 

7th month, 12th. Left North Berwick this 
morning, rode thirteen miles over a pleasant, 
undulating country to the village of Kenebunk, 
and received kind entertainment in a family of 
Friends. A meeting had been appointed to be 
held at their dwelling, at 3 o'clock in the 
afternoon, and the usual invitation had been 
spread. iVt the time appointed, we took our 
seats in one of the apartments which opened 
into others, and a considerable number of the 
neighboring people assembled with us. C. was 
led to distribute doctrine, reproof, and instruc- 
tion in righteousness, and as his testimony was 
continued, an increasing solemnity apparently 
spread over us — oil was poured into wounds, 
the sincere-hearted encouraged, and it was 
thought that the meeting ended under the 
solemnizing and cementing influence of hea- 
venly love. We passed an instructive evening 
together, several beside our own little company 



32 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 

being present. C. was very interesting in con- 
versation, and as the hoar of parting for the 
night drew on, he testified that he then realized 
some of the prospects which had attended his 
mind before he left his own home. Our hearts 
were tenderly affected, and somewhat of that 
unity of spirit and bond of peace, which is not 
of man, nor of the will of man, but by Divine 
grace and power, was surely felt amongst us, 
apparently binding the hearts of some of the 
company together in a measure of that life in 
which those of true and living faith are some- 
times permitted to know and greet each other. 
Doubtless, some were present who were ena- 
bled to thank our Heavenly helper for his 
many favors, and to take courage. 

7th month, 13th. Made preparation to leave 
our comfortable quarters this morning ; but 
before our departure, a parting opportunity 
was proposed, and we seated ourselves together 
and gathered into silent waiting, and I cannot 
doubt that the cementing influence of heavenly 
love was felt amongst us, or that the oil of the 
kingdom did circulate as from vessel to vessel. 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 33 

drawing us near to one another in fellowship 
of spirit, into sympathetic feeling, and mutual 
desires for each other's preservation through 
all the temptations and trials of life's proba- 
tionary scene. 

7 th month, l-Lth — First day. Again attended 
meeting at North Berwick ; and although we 
met with some annoyance, yet C. had accepta- 
ble service, — the meeting was interesting, and 
the situation instructive. In the afternoon, 
rode eight miles to the manufacturing village 
of Great Falls, in the State of Xew Hampshire, 
where a meeting had been appointed to be held 
in a spacious Methodist place of worship, at 5 
o'clock. A large number of people assembled, 
and we took our seats amongst them, I trust 
under a solemn sense of the seriousness and of 
the responsibility of the occasion. C. minis- 
tered at considerable length ; his exercise 
seemed somewhat laborious for a time, but 
as he proceeded, life and power continued to 
arise into dominion, and it was thought that 
we had a good meeting ; several expressed 
their satisfaction therewith, but some plain 



34 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

truths were uttered which may not have set- 
tled altogether pleasantly upon some minds. 
Returned to North Berwick to lod°;e. 

7th month, loth. Made a few visits in the 
neighborhood, and on our way returning, 
called at the dwelling of an ancient female 
Friend ; a widowed daughter resides with her. 
After a little time of conversation we settled 
irito stillness, and the wing of Divine goodness 
was evidently spread over us ; under which 
precious covering C. was drawn forth to 
address our aged sister in the endearing lan- 
guage of tenderness and encouragement, and 
the word of counsel and sympathetic feeling 
flowed freely towards the daughter. 

7th month, 16th. Prepared to leave North 
Berwick this morning, and as the time arrived 
to bid farewell to those who had entertained 
us with much kindness and hospitality, and 
had been so diligent and efficient in making 
way for the appointment and attendance of 
public meetings, there was evidence that we 
all felt the separation, and entertained mutual 
desires for each other's best welfare. Leaving 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 35 

the railway station we proceeded on our way 
toward Salem, passing Portsmouth in the State 
of New Hampshire, and Ipswich in the State of 
Massachusetts. I glanced at the last-named 
town with a considerable degree of interest ; not 
that it possessed remarkable beauty, or great 
importance, but as a place where a witch court 
formerly existed, and where many persecuted 
fellow mortals (seventy in one year) were 
condemned to destruction under a most falla- 
cious and unaccountable delusion. It is really 
marvellous that that dark superstition was so 
long suffered to cloud the minds of an intelli- 
gent people. 

7 th month, 17 1 h. Proceeded five miles to 
Lynn in order to attend meeting there ; the 
usual invitation had been extended, but the 
gathering was small. C. was exercised in 
the ministry, and his service appeared to be 
acceptable. The manufacture of shoes is 
carried on to great extent at Lynn ; the place 
has an agreeable aspect, a fine view of the 
Atlantic spreads out before it, and refreshing- 
sea breezes often fan the inhabitants. 



36 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

7 th month, 18th. Attended meeting at S>ilem 
at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, the usual time of 
gathering ; the meeting was not large, but C. 
was engaged in testimony, and his company 
and religious labors appeared to be satisfac- 
tory. 

We felt a peculiar interest in one residing in 
this locality, who has been several times in our 
company. He is about forty years of age, and 
was educated among the Baptists, has officiated 
as a minister for them, and is master of many 
languages ; but more than sixteen years since 
his mind was brought under exercise for the 
attainment of a more perfect way, and as he 
hungered for that bread which nourishes up 
the soul, and thirsted for the waters of life, his 
mind was gradually drawn from outward 
forms, and centered upon the everlasting sub- 
stance ; he appears to have been first awakened 
to see the beauty and perfection of our prin- 
ciples through the instrumentality of Barclay's 
Apology, which accidentally fell into his hands. 
The way of primitive and vital Christianity 
there described, answered the Divine witness 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 37 

in his own soul, and he sought out and attached 
himself to a people making so high a profes- 
sion. There is much evidence that he was not 
afterwards a mere nominal Christian, but sub- 
mitting to the powerful heart-changing opera- 
tions of Divine Grace, he became himself a 
changed man, firmly rooted and grounded in 
the truths of the Gospel, enabled to stem the 
torrent of ridicule and abuse which he encoun- 
tered from his own family, and from those 
with whom he had formerly walked in fellow- 
ship, and has given abundant evidence that he 
has bought the truth and will not sell it. 

In the afternoon we, were conducted to the 
attractive residence of a Friend, located upon 
a valuable farm, in a pleasant district of 
country, about three miles distant from Salem : 
it is part of a tract of five hundred acres for- 
merly belonging to Governor Endicott, that 
most rigid Puritan persecutor, avIio wielded 
the affairs of the infant government of Massa- 
chusetts, and passed sentence of death upon 
several of our worthy Friends. The site of 
his mansion is near by, and thither he 



38 THE LAST YEAK OF THE LIFE 

repaired from Boston to spend the summer 
months. Near by stands an aged pear tree 
which it is said the Governor planted with his 
own hands two hundred and ten years ago ; it 
was loaded with fruit, but it did not look 
vigorous. Endicott possessed houses, and 
lands, and popularity, and was called one of 
the pious pilgrim fathers, but we may well 
suppose that that unrelenting persecutor did 
not enjoy a peaceful serenity of mind. 

7 th month, VdtJi. The day was rainy, but we 
proceeded to Salem, and having received much 
attentive kindness in these localities, moved 
forward toward Bostcyi ; rode through that 
attractive city, and in so doing passed an ex- 
tensive and beautiful enclosure called Boston 
Common. A solemn feeling covered my spirit 
as I gazed upon it : the remembrance of 
departed worth and faithful martyrdom came 
up before me ; it was upon this common that 
several pious sufferers for the testimony of 
their Lord and Saviour, laid down their lives. 
William Leddra, Marmaduke Stephenson, 
Mary Dyer, and one other worthy were exe- 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 39 

cutecl here, and here they gave ample evidence 
of faithfulness to the sacred cause thev had 
espoused, departing hence with the glorious 
assurance of a happy immortality, and doubt- 
less entered upon that eternal rest which their 
extreme persecutors may have longed for in 
vain. After leaving Boston, continued our 
travel about sixty miles through a not very 
productive country to New Bedford. 

We somewhere passed the meeting-house 
where Comfort Collins attended meeting many 
years ago. The remembrance of this faithful 
minister and interesting example of departed 
worth being thus brought prominently before 
us, our dear Friend C. manifested a lively 
interest therein, as it portrayed an instructive 
instance of the efficacy of Divine grace, and of 
the compassionate regard and favor of a lov- 
ing Saviour. She had been faithful in her 
day and generation, and lived to great age. 
Her mental faculties became so far impaired 
that she did not even recollect that she 
ever had a husband, but was still mercifully 
permitted to retain the savor of spiritual life, 



40 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 



and even when near the end of her lengthened 
pilgrimage upon earth, was qualified to speak 
of her many mercies, and to exhort her friends 
in living, impressive and instructive testimony. 
7 th month, 20th. Went on board of the 
steamer which plies between New Bedford 
and Nantucket seventy miles distant, and 
moving forward, touched at a promontory of 
Massachusetts, and also at Martha's Vineyard, 
arriving at the place of our destination after a 
voyage of about six hours' duration. The 
earlier part of the passage was not strikingly 
unpleasant, but arriving at unsheltered situa- 
tions where the winds had a fair sweep across 
the waters, we were much tossed upon the 
agitated surface of the deep. On the previous 
day there had been a storm of unusual violence, 
uprooting trees, and otherwise damaging, and 
the wind continued to blow fresh. The forcible 
undulating waves beat heavily against our 
unstable bark, causing it to sway and rock, and 
the effect of this uncomfortable motion was 
soon apparent among the passengers, — yet to 
me the passage was interesting and instruc- 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 41 



tive ; I could sit and gaze with an untiring 
eye upon the solemn grandeur of the scene 
which spread in wide expanse around us, occa- 
sionally glancing at the distressed condition of 
our passengers, and reflect upon the sacrifices 
and sufferings which some of our worthy min- 
isters endured for weeks together, while cross- 
ing the wide ocean to promulgate the Gospel 
in distant lands. 

7th month, 2lst — First day. Attended Friends' 
Meeting at Nantucket ; the usual kind of invi- 
tation had been spread extensively, and a large 
assemblage collected. It felt to me that the 
wing of ancient goodness which had been 
spread over the assemblies of our people in 
primitive times was also spread over us, pre- 
paring our hearts to receive the heavenly dew 
and the gospel rain ; under which precious 
covering C. arose, and in demonstration of the 
spirit, and with power, handed forth that which 
was given him to distribute ; and I trust that 
many minds were instructed, and many hearts 
comforted. 



42 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

The afternoon meeting was held at 5 o'clock, 
and at the time appointed we proceeded to 
attend it, and found that a large number of 
people had collected and were continuing to 
collect; the house is spacious, seventy feet 
square, and it was estimated that over six 
hundred were in attendance. Stillness and 
good order soon j^revailecl throughout this 
large assembly, and I trust that many were 
truly gathered into the silence of all flesh, and 
felt the precious influence of the Heavenly 
Father's love to extend to them, solemnizing 
their feelings and increasing their faith. Our 
dear friend C. was raised upon his feet, and 
delivered a large testimony in Gospel life and 
authority ; the mourners in Zion were com- 
forted ; the fearful in heart were encouraged ; 
the unfaithful were warned ; the lukewarm 
were aroused ; and the wanderers were invited 
to return. His testimony was somewhat sharp 
against those who take up carnal weapons, and 
against those who preach for hire and divine 
for money; but it seemed to me that the power 
of truth reigned over all opposition, and it was 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 43 

thought that the meeting closed under the 
prevalence of solemn and contrited feelings, to 
the praise of the great Master of assemblies, 
who evidently had owned it and magnified 
himself therein. 

7 th month, 22d. Those resident upon the 
Island are mostly located in the City of Nan- , 
tucket, which contains about eight thousand 
inhabitants, and covers about a square mile of 
ground. It has a fine harbor, which was for* 
merly frequented by abundance of shipping, 
but as a commercial whaling centre the place 
has declined in population and importance. 
The whale fishery itself has of late years di- 
minished in value, and much of its remaining 
greatness has been absorbed by New Bedford. 
Much of the soil is stony, but it produces 
much pasturage, and the products of the 
dairy are excellent. Sea fish are plentiful ; the 
atmosphere is notably salubrious, and the 
people appear to be much attached to their 
sea-girt island. 

It was in this locality that John Richardson 
held a remarkable meeting in days that have 



44 THE LAST YEAK OF THE LIFE 

long since passed away, in which that gifted, 
prominent and dignified woman, Mary Star- 
buck, could not resist the power which attend- 
ed his ministry, although she strove long and 
resolutely against it ; but she and the audience 
generally were overcome by its heart search- 
ing and baptizing operations, in a most extra- 
ordinary manner, demonstrated by abundance 
of tears. Many of the Nantucket people are 
her descendants. 

7 th month, 23d. Partly owing to the perils ap- 
pertaining to the afar-off whale fishery, widows 
are numerous on this Island : we made visits to 
several of these, and memorably to one promi- 
nent and far advanced in life, the shadows of 
the evening are lengthening around her, and 
the end of her earthly pilgrimage is in view ; 
evidently, there was no cause for mourning on 
her account, and after silent waiting, C. was 
moved to hand forth encouragement, in beau- 
tiful and affectionate language. 

7th month, 24th. Several of our friends 
called to bid us farewell this morning. They 
had been very kind to us, had done much to 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 45 

forward C.'s concern as set forth in his certifi- 
cate, and without their support, it is probable 
that his religious opportunities with the pub- 
lic would have been greatly circumscribed. 
Parting affectionately with them, and turning 
our backs upon Nantucket, moved onward 
across the briny waters ; the return passage 
was pleasant, and after dining with kind 
friends in New Bedford, proceeded twenty 
miles by railway to Fall River. 

7th month, 2btli. In the afternoon, rode 
seventeen miles to Little Compton, in view of 
attending meeting at that place to-morrow 
morning. Our route was principally along 
the margin of Narragansett Bay ; the road 
was good, the weather was pleasant, the sce- 
nery picturesque ; and being in good company, 
the ride was enjoyed with peaceful tranquility 
of mind, but not without an occasional thought 
of a far-distant home and family. 

7th month, 26th. Attended the contemplated 
meeting at 10 o'clock ; the house was quaint 
and antiquated, but in good repair and com- 
fortable, and erected upon an eminence com- 



46 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

manding a beautiful view of sea and land. A 
considerable number gathered with us, and 
truly it was a favored season. Our dear friend 
C. was manifestly clothed with Divine autho- 
rity and power, and it was thought that the 
tabernacles of some were shaken. After an 
interesting and instructive parting opportunity 
with the family, who had entertained us so 
kindly at their hospitable dwelling, we left 
Little Compton in the afternoon, and wended 
our way back to Fall River. 

7 th month, 27th. Left Fall River about 10 
o'clock this forenoon, on board of the steam- 
boat bound for Newport, twenty miles distant; 
the passage was pleasant, and the views diver- 
sified with land and water, hill and dale. Not 
far from Fall River, we passed an eminence 
called Mount Hope, which had been a great 
resort for Indian warriors, and is famous in 
the history of that distinguished Indian Chief, 
King Philip, who so long and so successfully 
withstood the encroachments of the white 
man, and was finally shot near this place. 
Arrived at the place of our destination, and 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 47 

received kind entertainment in a Friend's 
family. 

7th month. 28th — First day. Attended meet- 
ing at Newport at 11 o'clock; the usual invi- 
tation had been spread at C.'s request, and 
a considerable number of those not of our 
Society, gathered with us. Our dear friend 
had large service in this meeting, and his tes- 
timony was evidently delivered in the autho- 
rity of Truth, somewhat sharp against those 
who had wandered from the fold, and had 
become as withered branches, but comforting 
to the mourners in Zion, and to those who had 
turned their faces thitherward. Several child- 
ren were present, and to them he was drawn 
forth in affectionate and encouraging exhorta- 
tion. A meeting had been appointed to be 
held at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, about six 
miles from Newport, among a sect called 
Christian Baptists, and to the place of gather- 
ing we pursued our way. The ride thither 
w T as pleasant, the roads good, the country 
beautiful and highly cultivated. The attend- 
ance was quite large ; many Gospel truths 
were uttered, and some close observations. 



48 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

7fh month, 29th. Before parting with our 
friends this morning, at whose dwelling we 
had been kindly and hospitably entertained, 
one of the company read from a manuscript 
containing an instructiye account of an inter- 
esting daughter ; her health gave way at the 
age of sixteen, and after passing through nine 
years of severe bodily affliction, approached the 
borders of the grave, with the triumphant hope 
of a bright immortality. Humble faith and 
trust in a compassionate Saviour, the refining 
process, the sustaining grace, patience, resig- 
nation, a deepening in religious experience, 
and Christian love, appear to have been 
characteristic marks of her life through the 
period of her protracted sufferings. 

Newport has a fine harbor ; a portion of the 
town looks somewhat antiquated, but many of 
the more modern improvements are attractive; 
the high reputation of the place as a sea-side 
resort is proverbial. Wind-mills for grinding 
grain, and other purposes, are numerous on 

the Island. Proceeded to New Bedford by 

« 

way of Fall River, arriving in the evening. 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 49 

7 th month, 30th. Left New Bedford this 
afternoon, and proceeded on our way to Padan 
Aram, three miles distant. At this place a 
meeting had been appointed to be held in a 
Baptist meeting-house at 5 o'clock ; a consider- 
able number gathered with us. C. was largely 
engaged in testimony, and clothed with right 
authority, doubtless, to the instruction and edi- 
fication of many minds ; and although some 
close observations respecting man made minis- 
try and water baptism, w T ent forth to all those 
whom it might concern, yet none appeared to 
be offended. The ride from Xew Bedford to 
this place was pleasant, and as we journeyed, 
at least one mind was instructively carried 
back in retrospect to the youthful days of the 
Patriarch Jacob, and to the covenant which he 
made with his Maker when on his way to 
Padan Aram of that day : that covenant was 
never broken, and Jacob was preserved green 
in old age, and laid down his head in peace. 

7th month, 31st. Wended our way to meet- 
ing at South Dartmouth, at 11 o'clock ; but as 
we approached the place, it was evident that 



50 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

the people could not be comfortably accommo- 
dated by present arrangement ; a number were 
seated in their carriages near by, and others 
collected about the door and windows ; this 
position of affairs not being satisfactory, and a 
large chvelling-house being located near by, the 
occupants thereof cheerfully offered a portion 
of it for our accommodation ; the offer was ac- 
cepted, and w r e w^ere soon comfortably seated 
therein. A quiet solemnity soon spread over 
the assembly thus gathered, and C. was drawn 
forth to impart much exhortation and counsel ; 
some by way of encouragement, and some by 
way of reproof. And although some of his 
testimony might not have been altogether 
savory to some minds, yet the truths thereof 
were self-evident, and it is to be hoped that it 
was a season of profit to all. 

8th month, 1st Attended meeting at North 
Dartmouth ; the usual invitation to the public 
had been extended, and a considerable com- 
pany gathered there. C. was led to declare 
some Gospel truths in plain and searching 
testimony, and some close doctrine was handed 



OF CRISTOPHEE HEALY. 51 

forth. It has been intimated in several in- 
stances that he has spoken remarkably to the 
states of meetings and of individuals ; many 
of his testimonies have been delivered with 
Christian boldness, disquieting to the unfaith- 
ful, and to the lukewarm ; gently leading to 
the trembling ones, and to the honest hearted ; 
awakening to the rebellious, but comforting to 
those who truly mourn in Zion. 

The residence of the late Sarah Tucker, who 
had traveled in the ministry in our part of 
the land, and died several years since, was 
near our hospitable accommodations. I looked 
upon the earthly abode of that mother in our 
Israel, not with superstitious reverence, never- 
theless with a degree of lively interest, as the 
remembrance of departed worth seemed to be 
brought more vividly into view while gazing 
upon it. Her memoranda are fraught with 
abundance of instruction, giving evidence that 
she lived near to the fountain of living waters, 
and she has left a sweet memorial behind her. 

8th month, 2d. Morning rainy. In the after- 
noon, moved forward to attend a meeting to be 



52 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 

held in a Baptist meeting-house, in the village 
1 of Westport, about five miles distant ; stopped 
by the way to visit an ancient couple, the sands 
of whose life are fast running out ; but they 
appear to accept the situation with cheerful 
trustfulness. The meeting was quite well at- 
tended, and after a time of silent waiting, C. 
rose up to declare some of the truths of 
the everlasting Gospel ; he was favored to 
hand forth a powerful testimony, and although 
he did not prophesy smooth things to all, yet 
it was hoped that his home testimony fastened 
as a nail in a sure place upon stole minds 
that in the cool of the day will profitably 
remember it. 

8th month, 3d. In the forenoon, visited an 
aged friend eighty- seven years old ; he is quite 
active, his intellect unclouded, has a remark- 
ably retentive memory, and can write without 
spectacles. He has lately buried an interest- 
ing daughter who had been confined to her 
bed for years ; she is represented as having 
been an able defender of her faith, and as a 
bright example of Christian virtue. Left 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 53 

\Testport, and proceeded about five miles 
further to another Baptist place of worship, 
where a meeting had been appointed to be 
held at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The 
gathering was quite large, and much instruc- 
tive counsel was handed forth, especially to 
those who have the training of children : the 
people sat quiet and attentive, which has been 
the case, perhaps without exception, in all the 
meetings which we have attended in Xew 
England. 

8th month, 4th — First day. Attended meet- 
ing at ]NVsv Bedford, at 10 o'clock. The morn- 
ing was rainy, but a considerable number 
gathered with us, and the meeting proved 
solid and comfortable. C. was engaged in 
testimony not largely, but impressively. The 
afternoon meeting was held at 5 o'clock, and 
a large number of people assembled and 
gathered into stillness ; much instructive doc- 
trine and counsel were handed forth ; the fall 
of man, and his restoration and salvation 
were largely treated upon, and many unpro- 
fitable things and hurtful practices were 
spoken against. 



54 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 

8th month, 5th. In the afternoon, C. had 
something like a parting opportunity with a 
number of those who had been interested in 
our visit to this place and vicinity ; he had 
received much kindness at their hands, and 
they had been largely instrumental in for- 
warding and supporting his religious concern, 
in the appointment of public meetings, and 
in promoting the attendance. He addressed 
them in sympathetic and affectionate lan- 
guage, and there was manifestation of much 
interested feeling, when we finally bid each 
other farewell. 

New Bedford has many vessels engaged 
in the whale fishery, — appears to be a place 
of considerable commerce, contains seventeen 
thousand inhabitants, is an attractive city, 
regularly laid out, and beautifully shaded with 
trees. Much of the country adjacent is only 
of moderate fertility. 

8th month, 6th. Left New Bedford this 
morning, and proceeded by railway to Fall 
River. A sorrowful circumstance occurred 
in this locality on first day afternoon, by the 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 55 

upsetting of a sail-boat containing five young 
men, and in connection therewith two of them 
(members of the Society of Friends) were 
drowned. Their funerals took place at Fall 
River to-day — but way did not open to attend 
them. 

8th month, 7th. Attended meeting at Fall 
River ; the usual kind of invitation had been 
extended at C.'s request, and a considerable 
assemblage collected; he was much favored in 
testimony, and had a relieving time amongst 
us ; some close observations were handed forth, 
but his testimony was delivered in the autho- 
ritv of truth, doubtless to the comfort of 
many minds, and the instruction of others : 
this meeting was evidently owned by the 
Master of assemblies, and was very satisfac- 
torv to C. himself, as it was also to others. 

8th month, 8th. Crossed the Taunton River 
by steam ferry-boat, and proceeded about two 
miles to the residence of an ancient female 
Friend ; she is eighty-nine years of age, and 
very feeble in body, the lamp of life is evi- 
dently fast o-oino- out, but through the decay 



56 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

of nature, her spirit appears to be kept alive 
by living water from Shiloh's fountain, and 
she looks forward with holy confidence, that 
there will be a mansion prepared for her 
where the wicked cease from troubling, and 
the weary are at rest, when time to her shall 
be no longer. In the afternoon, proceeded to 
a Methodist Meeting-House, where a meeting 
had been appointed to be held at 3 o'clock, and 
it proved large and satisfactory. C. was raised 
up to declare some of the truths of the Gospel 
in demonstration of the spirit, and with power ; 
a plain testimony was borne against some of 
the peculiarities of other professors of Chris- 
tianity, but in convincing and unoffending 
language. The minister who officiates at this 
place remarked after the conclusion of the 
meeting, that he would be glad if their house 
could often be occupied in that way. The 
appearance of this part of the country is 
pleasing. 

8th month, 9th. We, with a number of those 
who had been interested in our proceeding, 
met in the meeting-house at Fall River ; this 



OF CHEISTOPHER HEALY. 57 

gathering together seemed somewhat compara- 
ble to a parting opportunity. C. felt under 
many obligations to them ; they had been cor- 
dial and diligent in gathering the public to his 
meetings, and in upholding his hands through 
abundant labors, by their sympathy and fel- 
lowship ; and he was moved largely to address 
them. The wing of Divine Groodness seemed 
to be spread over us, and it proved a baptizing 
season, something like the baptism of the one 
spirit into the one body : much counsel was 
extended, encouragement flowed freely, and 
the word of caution was not withheld.. 

Fall River contains about twelve thousand 
inhabitants ; the number of buildings designed 
for public worship are evidence that the peo- 
ple are divided into many sects: numerous 
manufacturing establishments evince their 
general pursuit, and on every hand there is 
evidence of their enterprise. 

8th month, 10th. Left Fall River, and after 
a pleasant ride of twenty-two miles through a 
part of the country, pleasing in appearance, 



58 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 



found kindness and hospitable accommoda- 
tions at the dwelling of a Friend at Norton. 

8th month, Wtli — First clay. Two meetings 
are appointed to be held at the house of our 
kind entertainers to-day, one at 10 o'clock in 
the forenoon, the other at 5 o'clock P. M., and 
several of the apartments were seated for the 
purpose. At the first-named hour, we took 
our seats, and many gathered with us. C. was 
clothed with Gospel life and power, and min- 
istered to an attentive people in the authority 
of truth ; words flowed freely, and although 
smooth things were not prophesied to all, yet 
all appeared to be satisfied and much inte- 
rested. In the afternoon, a large meeting as- 
sembled; this too was favored. C. was largely 
engaged in testimony, and was led impres- 
sively to declare many Gospel truths, appar- 
ently to general satisfaction. There appears 
to be great openness in the minds of many in 
this neighborhood to attend Friends' Meetings. 

8th month, 12th. Before leaving our hospita- 
ble friends this morning, C. was led to distri- 
bute counsel and encouragement in a solid 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 59 

parting opportunity with the family and 
others present ; we then moved onward and 
rode fourteen miles to North Providence. 
Our route still continued to lie through a sec- 
tion of country pleasing in appearance ; the 
roads were good, the comfortable looking 
farm-houses and surroundings drew attention, 
and the fine New England Elms were an at- 
tractive feature in the landscape. Crossed the 
Blackstone River at the village of Seaconk ; 
it was here that Roger Williams, when he 
fled from Massachusetts' intolerance, essayed 
to establish a government that would afford 
an asylum to the persecuted and oppressed, 
and promote civil and religious liberty ; but 
finding himself still within the jurisdiction of 
that colony, he removed and founded the town 
of Providence. Near the bridge which crosses 
the river to Pautucket, stands the first factory 
established in Rhode Island ; it is yet a good 
building, its date quite modern, and since its 
origin, factories have multiplied in that state 
to a marvellous extent. C. had a parting- 
opportunity with some of those who had been 



60 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 

kind, hospitable and serviceable to us, and we 
moved forward to the railway at Providence, 
passing the fatal spot where the dwelling of 
A. J. and her daughter had recently been de- 
stroyed by fire. Proceeded forty-three miles 
to Westerly, and were again kindly entertained 
there. 

8th month, 13th. We had looked forward 
toward setting our faces homeward this even- 
ing, but a prospect of further religious service 
arising with weight and clearness, C. has con- 
cluded to pass into Hopkinton to-morrow, and 
more meetings have been appointed; some of 
us may have looked longingly homeward, but 
we do not wish him to relinquish the service 
until the work required at his hands is fully 
accomplished. 

8th month, 14th. Left Westerly this morn- 
ing, and moved forward toward a Methodist 
place of worship, where a meeting had been 
appointed to be held at 3 o'clock in the after- 
noon, — passing many places familiar to C, and 
traveling twelve miles. The meeting was well 
attended, and after a time of silent waiting, 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 61 

C. delivered much instructive counsel; words 
flowed freely, accompanied with an evidence 
of Divine anointing, and with the authority 
of truth ; the meeting closed comfortably, and 
much satisfaction therewith was expressed. 

8th month, loth. Attended meeting at Hop- 
kinton at 11 o'clock. On the way, stopped at 
the farm where C.'s father died, and on which 
the remains are buried; we all visited the 
grave, and the scene was solemn and impres- 
sive. The day was rainy, and although the 
usual invitation had been extended, the meet- 
ing was not large; but C. had good service, 
including an interesting parting opportunity, 
and we were again kindly and hospitably 
entertained in this neighborhood. 

8th month, 16th. Parted with several of this 
vicinity who had been cordial and hospitable 
to us, had done much to open the way for C.'s 
religious opportunities, and to uphold his 
hands. Of this number was J. W.; the frosts 
of age have settled upon him, but he is yet 
active, his intellect unclouded, his discernment 
keen, his judgment forcible, and his conversa- 



62 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

tion edifying; but according to the course of 
nature, his days are fast numbering toward a 
close, and we bid him thoughtfully farewell, 
not thinking it likely that some of our little 
company would ever meet him again in muta- 
bility. 

8th month, 17th. It is concluded to appoint 
two meetings at AYesterly to-morrow, and our 
departure homeward is delayed. We spent 
the day agreeably with kind friends, and as 
the sun was sinking below the horizon, the 
western sky was beautiful, the golden and 
azure tints were reflected from the placid 
bosom of the waters, the steamboat Water 
Lily glided swiftly by, the undulating waves 
gently rocked the smaller craft, and a boat- 
load of light-hearted boys appeared to enjoy 
it much ; we should be careful that our minds 
are not too much engrossed in earthly objects, 
yet it may be allowable to entertain a pass- 
ing interest in scenes like these. It was a 
calm and lovely evening, a fitting hour for 
contemplation, and far distant homes and 
families were brought into affectionate re- 



OF CHRISTOPHEE HEALY. 63 

membrance. Before parting for the night, 
our circle gathered into silence, and C. was 
moved to distribute impressive counsel. 

Sth month, 18th — First day. It had been ar- 
ranged to hold a public meeting at a private 
dwelling at 10 o'clock this forenoon, and at 
the time appointed a moderate number of 
attenders sat with us in the large parlor, and 
gathered into silent waiting. C. was led to 
impart much counsel, and some searching 
testimony. The afternoon meeting was ap- 
pointed to be held in a public meeting-house 
in Westerly, at 5 o'clock : at the appointed 
hour we found a large number of people col- 
lected, and still continuing to collect ; the 
house was crowded, but the audience was 
quiet and attentive. C. was again clothed 
with Gospel life and power, and handed forth 
that which was given him to distribute in 
right authority. Several ministers of other 
denominations were present, and although 
some plain and close testimony respecting 
hireling ministry, and the call to the ministry 
went forth to all those whom it might concern, 



64 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

yet it apparently was well received, and may, 
in the cool of the day be reflected upon, to the 
instruction in righteousness of some who were 
present upon the interesting occasion. This 
meeting is the last which C. expects to appoint 
in New England ; it was evidently owned by 
Israel's Shepherd, and was a comfortable con- 
clusion to C.V religious services in this part of 
the land. 

8th month, 19th. We expect to set our faces 
homeward this evening. I rambled from the 
village, and took a seat under the shadow of 
a rock on one of the rugged hills of New 
England ; a distant view of the ocean, the 
windings of the Pawcatuck River, and a 
pleasing landscape scene were spread out 
before me. I did not look upon these beauties 
of nature with an indifferent eye, but a 
retrospective view of the proceedings of our 
little company for the last two months, more 
definitely arrested my attention at this time. 
Our sojourn in New England localities, ap- 
parently, is nearly brought to a close, and 
although in looking over my poor services, 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 65 

feelings similar to those of the unprofitable 
servant are mine, yet I could rejoice in the 
abundant favors which have been vouchsafed 
to the aged servant of the Lord, whom it has 
been my privilege to accompany in his visit in 
the love of the Gospel, to habitants of the 
land which we have lately traversed. The 
Gospel message has often distilled as the dew. 
and as the gentle rain upon the tender grass, 
and he that sowed and those that reaped have 
at times rejoiced together. 

C.'s testimony has at times been somewhat 
sharp against the rebellious and evildoers ; 
the peculiarities of other religious societies 
have at times been handled with Christian 
boldness, and the unfaithful of our own reli- 
gious profession have not always been spared; 
but apparently his Gospel labors have been 
very generally, and perhaps universally, well 
received — much satisfaction therewith has been 
expressed, and we do not find that he offends 
any. He has been Divinely assisted in his 
goings forth, and we, his companions, have 
been comforted in bearing him company. 



66 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

Took leave of our kind friends at Westerly, 
and wending our way to Stonington, in the 
dusk of the evening, transferred ourselves 
and baggage to the Steamer Vanderbilt, and 
later in the evening were pursuing our watery 
way homeward bound. 

8th month 20th. Reached New York City 
this morning, but immediately left for Penn- 
sylvania, arriving safely at our own homes, 
and finding our families well. Two months 
had been occupied in the performance of the 
visit, and thirteen hundred miles had been 
traversed. The preservation of ourselves and 
families was cause for gratitude, and surely 
we were not unmindful of it. 

On one occasion while still pursuing our 
New England visit on board of a steamer on 
eastern waters, Christopher Healy became 
somewhat involved in conversation and con- 
troversy with a prominent and zealous sup- 
porter of the slave interest ; it was a time of 
considerable agitation upon the slavery ques- 
tion, and much uncharitable feeling and severe 
criticism were frequently indulged in ; and it 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 67 

was manifest that this champion of the rights 
and wrongs of the persecuted slave-holders 
had no partiality for Friends, and the position 
they had assumed. C. brought into view a 
specimen of severe intolerance lately practised 
upon a northern man, yes, (retorted the other,) 
and if you were to go there, they would serve 
vou in the same way. C. mildly expostulated 
with him, and informed him that he had seve- 
ral times visited the South, and had not found 
the people unfriendly ; but being in the line 
of his religious duty, and going forth in a 
Christian spirit, way was made for him with 
apparent cordiality to hold numerous religious 
meetings with the slave-holders, and with their 
slaves. And although he did not always speak 
smooth things to those in power, yet he received 
much kindness and hospitality at their hands. 
Our opponent seemed softened, and we heard 
no more annoying language from him. 

Our beloved friend Christopher Healy occu- 
pied a precious gift in the ministry, and his 
religious communications were sometimes ac- 
companied with an extraordinary degree of 



68 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

Gospel life and power. Several specimens 
of portions of his sermons are hereunto ap- 
pended ; and "though we cannot in the read- 
ing of such notes, expect to feel in full the 
living energy and holy anointing that often 
accompanies the ministry which is of the 
Lord's preparing," and although the incidents 
described in these notes and the two succeeding 
memoranda, did not occur within the last year 
of his life, yet they convey an interesting idea 
of his ministry ; of his earnest solicitude for the 
prosperity of our Zion, of his religious con- 
cern for the best welfare of his friends, and of 
present help in the needful time : these and 
kindred manifestations of qualification and 
favor continued to attend him, and were still 
bright and prominent in the last year of his 
earthly pilgrimage. 

1842. In our meeting for worship at Falls, 
our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, spoke 
impressively, saying : " The righteous shall 
have tribulation, but the Lord w r ill deliver 
them all," holding up to view the necessity of 
having living faith in the Divine promises, 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 69 



and then tribulations will be borne patiently, 
and our faith will increase with our trials. 
There is but one sure foundation ; but one 
foundation that will stand when all things else 
fail, and unless we build rightly thereon, we 
cannot be saved. 

The Divine will revealed in us is always in 
accordance with the scriptures ; he had never 
found it different. 

He spoke of having faith in that Almighty 
power which a servant of old described in this 
language: " The sea saw it, and fled; Jordan 
was driven back ; the mountains skipped like 
rams, and the little hills, like lambs. What 
ailed thee, sea, that thou fleddest, thou 
Jordan that thou wast driven back, ye moun- 
tains that ye skipped like rams, and ye little 
hills, like lambs?" This was the power that- 
gathered our society from the maxims and 
customs of the world, from the forms and 
ceremonies of a lifeless profession, from all 
will worship, and from a hireling priesthood; 
and though many may fall on the right hand 



70 THE LAST YEAR OE THE LIFE 

and on the left, yet the faithful will be pre- 
served. 

He believed that if our members walked 
answerably to our high profession, there 
would be a hundred come unto us to where 
there is one now ; and we would be as a city 
set upon a hill that could not be hid ; our 
conduct would then speak louder than words ; 
and many would be invited by our example to 
come look upon Zion, and behold Jerusalem a 
quiet habitation, with none of its stakes bro- 
ken, nor cords loosed. 

1842. Attended meeting. Our beloved friend 
Christopher Healy, bore a short but impressive 
testimony to the excellency of silent waiting, 
and warned us against suffering our silent sit- 
ting together to become a mere formality ; that 
if our practice is merely to come and sit down 
in meeting, and abstain from words, without 
endeavoring to have our thoughts gathered to 
the Master of assemblies, we shall never know 
the excellency of silent waiting, and perhaps 
never experience that state of mind which will 
afford us a lively hope beyond the grave ; but 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 71 

if we maintain the warfare, and struggle for 
the blessing, the Lord may condescend to 
favor us as He did a faithful servant of old, 
that man after GrocVs own heart ; " The Lord 
inclined unto me and heard mv cry, and He 
raised me up out of a horrible pit, and out of 
the miry clay; and set my feet upon a rock." 
How encouraoino; ! "And He established mv 
goings, and put a new song into my mouth, 
even praises to our God." 

1842 — Wth month. Our meeting was much 
favored ; our beloved friend Christopher Healy, 
amongst much instructive testimony, was led 
to set forth in its true lio'ht, the necessitv of 
preparation for another state of existence, and 
that sufficient grace is bestowed upon every 
man to make his calling and election sure ; 
and if this grace is rightly heeded, death 
would not find us unprepared: repeating these 
solemn warnings: "As the tree falls, so it lies; 
as death leaves us, so judgment will find us;" 
"there is no repentance in the grave, nor par- 
don offered to the dead." He also brought to 
view as a warnino* to the lukewarm, the con- 



72 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

clition of the church that was neither hot nor 
cold, and the judgment denounced upon it; a 
state of lukewarmness being so offensive in 
the Divine sight. And in our meeting for 
worship, occurring shortly after a fatal acci- 
dent in the neighborhood, he was evidently 
moved to speak in reference thereto ; holding 
up to view the necessity of making our calling 
and election sure while time and opportunity 
is afforded: "Be ye also ready, for in such 
an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man 
cometh." There are gifts dispensed to every 
one of us, by which, if we properly profit, death 
will not find us unprepared, though it come 
upon us as a thief in the night. No soul is 
lost that has not had the opportunity of being 
saved ; but if we are not careful for the im- 
provement of these gifts, we cannot expect to 
grow in grace, for it is only as we are faithful 
in the little that we shall be made rulers over 
more. 

And in another meeting for worship, occur- 
ring about the same period, our dear friend 
distributed instructive testimony : "If any man 



OF CRISTOPHEK HEALY. 73 

love me he will keep my words, and my Father 
will love him, and he will come unto him, and 
make our abode with him." We are the child- 
ren of Abraham if we do the works of Abra- 
ham, and it is an evidence that we love our 
Saviour if we keep his words ; holding up to 
view the precious reward of coming unto Him 
who is the way, the truth and the life ; the 
necessity of having faith in God ; and that the 
reason some of us do not grow in grace is for 
the want of faith. We make a partial sacri- 
fice, and do not give up the. whole heart. If we 
had faith as a grain of mustard seed, mountains 
of opposition would be removed, and a way 
made where no way is seen by the art of man. 
He expressed a desire that we should love one 
another, and that our Church might be a church 
of love. He also brought into view the pre- 
ciousness of the example of those who have 
served the Lord, and their generation in their 
day, and have been gathered to their rest. 
Their usefulness does not always die with 
them, but they being dead, yet speak by the 
pious examples and precepts they have left 



74 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

behind them, and who finally had nothing to 
do but to die, and join the general assembly 
and Church of the First-born, whose names 
are written in heaven. 

In a meeting for worship, about this time, 
he was again led to distribute persuasive coun- 
sel. " Oh, my soul ! look thou unto the Lord, 
for my expectation is from Him." Bringing 
into view the necessity of this being the pre- 
vailing inclination of our desires, and without 
which we shall never know the excellency of 
silent waiting ; and that there is a vast differ- 
ence between those who feel poor, weak, and 
unworthy, and whose expectation is from the 
Lord ; and those who endeavor to worship 
Him in their own will and wisdom, and whose 
expectation is from the poor instrument. It 
is only the humble, dependent waiting ones, 
that will come to know the excellency of silent 
worship. 

In another meeting for worship, he was 
instructively led to describe that rest which 
remains for the people of God ; and told us 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 75- 

that the Lord would not forsake us, unless we 
first forsake him. 

1842 — 12th month, 25th. In our meeting 
to-day, our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, 
handed forth an instructive testimony, setting 
forth that his mind had been exercised, almost 
from his first sitting down in the meeting, in 
a way comparable to our Saviour's answer to 
those who spake of the Temple, how it was 
adorned with goodly stones and gifts : "As 
for these things ye behold, the days will come 
in which there will not be left one stone upon 
another that shall not be thrown down." And 
these things must be fulfilled spiritually in us 
as much as they were fulfilled outwardly. The 
glory of this world must be stained in our view : 
our delight in the riches, the fashions, the cus- 
toms, and whatever is worldly must be thrown 
down. 

There is too much of a disposition in us to 
shun the cross. We want to come to the 
Saviour, and at the same time hold fast to the 
things of the world. We are convinced that 
there is no better profession than the profes- 



76 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

sion of Friends, and we would love to become 
religious members, and walk answerably to our 
high profession ; but the cross is in the way ; 
we are not willing to suffer for the Saviour's 
sake, who was a man of sorrows, and ac- 
quainted with grief, 

He had met with many, while traveling up 
and down through the land, who are willing to 
acknowledge that Daniel's Grod is the only true 
Grod ; that there is no better profession than 
ours ; and yet they would not live thereto. 
And when the light of the Divine countenance 
shines upon us, we are almost or quite per- 
suaded to be Christians, and resolve to live in 
obedience to the Divine will ; but when the 
light is a little obscured, we stumble at the 
cross, and turn away. The question he put to 
those whom it is for : " What is the cause of 
these things? " 

The cross must be borne though it may lead 
into singularity, and cause us to be despised 
and rejected of the worldly wise. He did not 
mean to insinuate that we should make our- 
selves disagreeable in the eyes of the world, 



OF CRISTOPHER HEALY. / / 

further than to live in obedience to the Divine 
requiring^. He had felt it as plain as he had 
ever felt anything outwardly with his hands, 
that there were those present that had sus- 
tained great loss by going on from year to year, 
and not sufficiently confessing their Saviour be- 
fore men. If there had been more faithfulness 
to the Divine Master's will, there would have 
been more fathers and mothers in our Israel 
raised up amongst us, to encourage others to 
come look upon Zion, the city of our solemni- 
ties, not one of its stakes broken, or cords 
loosed, — and they would have found Him in- 
deed to be their counselor, the mighty God, 
the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace. 

1843 — 1st month. Our meeting to-day was 
a favored season. Our dear friend, C. Healy, 
was raised up to publish a testimony, evidently 
in demonstration of the spirit, and with power: 
" Remember now thy Creator in the days of 
thy youth, before the evil days come, when 
thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them : " 
bringing into view the blessed effects of early 
submission to the Divine will, and the danger 



78 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

of putting off submission to the Lord's visita- 
tion until a more convenient season ; and that 
we all have need of a mightier power than our 
own to guide us safely to the realms of peace. 
He believed that some felt a little discouraged 
because their trials are greater now than 
when more careless about spiritual things ; 
but he was acquainted with these things, for 
while we are pursuing self gratification, and 
walking in the way that Satan w r ould have us 
to go, he troubles us not, but endeavors ta 
make the way smooth and easy ; but when we 
take a stand against him, and turn our faces 
toward Zion, 'tis then he is aroused to vigorous 
action with his assaults, temptations and insin- 
uations, in order to turn us away from the way 
that leads to salvation. This keeps us in a 
state of continual warfare against our soul's 
enemy, but the watch and the warfare must be 
maintained ; and with weapons that are not 
carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling 
down of the strongholds of sin and Satan. 
He had stood by the bedside of one who ac- 
knowledged that he had despised the counsel 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 79 

of the Lord, and had served Satan in almost 
every respect, and he thought it was the most 
awful sight he ever beheld ; the soul struggling 
under the just judgments of the Lord, and it 
seemed to be in torments while yet in the body. 
The poor victim had no hope of pardon and 
redemption, and ended his days much in this 
awful condition. Our beloved friend seemed 
to be deeply aifected with this revolting state 
of human existence, and held it to view as a 
solemn warning to us ; pressing upon us the 
necessity of seeking the Lord while He may 
be found, and making preparation for the 
solemn close before the evil davs come. The 
Lord will not say to the sincere wrestling* soul : 
" Seek ye my face in vain." Do not despise 
counsel. He also intimated that there was 
danger of some falling away who had made a 
good beginning. They would fall unless they 
were more obedient to Divine requirings; and 
he spoke of his own experience ; how he had 
been assailed by the enemy, and had fled to 
the Lord Jesus for refuge ; who pointed him 
to the straight and narrow way, and raised 



80 THE LAST YEAfe OF THE LIFE 

him up out of the miry clay, and set his feet 
upon that rock which he could declare was the 
rock of ages, even Christ Jesus. 

Accompanied our beloved friend, Christo- 
pher Healy, on a religious visit to friends and 
others in the northern part of Bucks Quar- 
terly Meeting, esteeming it a precious privilege 
to accompany a deeply experienced and dedi- 
cated servant of the Lord upon a Grospel errand. 
The difficulties of the way, occasioned by heavy 
snow-drifts, were very considerable, but we 
were favored to escape accident, and reach each 
place -of destination in seasonable time. We 
attended several meetings, part of them by 
special appointment, and some in Friend's 
Meeting- Houses, to all of which the public 
were invited. In addition to other instructive 
counsel, C. was conspicuously led to invite out- 
ward and carnal worshippers to turn away from 
an undue depending on man, to an unreserved 
dependence upon the power and promises of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and by 
obedience to His Divine will -to know Him to 
rule and reign in their hearts, that they might 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 81 

through Him partake of the bread and water 
which nourishes up the soul unto everlasting 
life. We had lodged at a friend's house in 
Plumbstead, and early in the morning were 
preparing to proceed to Buckingham Meeting, 
six miles distant; there had been a heavy snow- 
storm, commencing early in the morning, and 
continuing throughout the previous day ; in 
the evening it ceased, but a high north-west 
wind continued through the night, and in the 
morning the abundant snow was alarmingly 
drifted. Our friends endeavored to discour- 
age us from attempting to travel until the 
roads were rendered passable, and some of 
their neighbors thought it folly to attempt it ; 
but our dear friend C. wavered not in his faith 
and trust, but intimated that we must make 
the effort, that we must do our part, and hoped 
that we would be helped. The undertaking 
appeared really formidable, but after many 
startings and stoppings, treading down and 
removing snow, and long, patient perseverance, 
we arrived at the place of our destination in 
due time. It felt to me that our success was 



82 THE LAST YEAK OF THE LIFE 

not altogether attributable to human skill and 
power. Our meeting was a much favored 
season. 

Made a short visit to our beloved friend, 
Christopher Healy, and experienced edification 
from his kindness and instructive company. 
I believe that he has near sympathy with such 
young friends as he thinks are religiously dis- 
posed, and seems very desirous that our doc- 
trines and testimonies should be supported, 
which he intimated must ere long be by those 
who are now young in years if they are sup- 
ported at all, as the aged standard bearers, 
those who have Ions: borne the burthen and 
heat of the day, must soon be called hence, 
and their places in the church militant will 
know them no more. It is sometimes very 
encouraging as well as profitable, to the trem- 
bling ones, to such as are endeavoring to set 
their faces toward Zion, to be kindly noticed 
by those who are deeply experienced in the 
ways of the Lord ; who have themselves trod 
the slippery paths of youth and of early man- 
hood, and are qualified to speak understand- 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 83 

ingly of the quicksands, the snares, and other 
hidden dangers with which an unwearied ad- 
versary is ever ready to deceive, and to allure 
from the pathway leading to a happier state of 
existence. 

After Christopher Healy returned from his 
religious visit to JNTew England, the last distant 
field of his Grospel labors, bringing sheaves of 
peace with him, and appreciating the favor of 
a safe return to his comfortable home, he con- 
tinuecl diligent in the attendance of the reli- 
gious meetings for worship and discipline of 
which he w^as a member, visited a neighboring 
Quarterly Meeting, received his friends cor- 
dially at his own dwelling, and made several 
social visits. One of these visits was of a 
peculiarly interesting character ; it took place 
at the hospitable abode of that dignified 
mother in our Israel, Ruth Ely, after the 
conclusion of Bucks Quarterly Meeting, held 
at Buckingham, in the year 1851. These 
prominent and earnest workers in their Mas- 
ter's vineyard had, for many years, been co- 
laborers for the promotion of the welfare of 



84 THE LAST YEAK OF THE LIFE 

the Society of Friends, and of Bucks Quarterly 
Meeting in particular, and had diffused abun- 
dant services in their more immediate sur- 
roundings ; they had taken much counsel 
together, uniting in harmonious labor for 
truth's honor, rejoicing in the aboundings of 
the Gospel, and harmoniously suffering in its 
afflictions. The evidence of Christian friend- 
ship which had so long been mutually cher- 
ished by these worthy representatives of 
Friends, continued prominent through life ; 
the beautiful simplicity of their quiet lives, 
their edifying conversation, the valuable in- 
structiveness of their pious precepts, the mani- 
fest weight of their spirits, and the aboundings 
of hospitality accompanied by guarded cheer- 
fulness. These and kindred demonstrations 
portraying instructive lessons of well spent 
lives, were now about to terminate with their 
mortal existence, and both appeared to feel 
that this interview would be their last upon 
earth ; they spoke to the states of each 
other in prophetic language which was after- 
wards apparently realized. It was under these 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 85 

interesting circumstances they bid each other 
a final farewell, and Christopher returned to 
his own quiet habitation ; and although in 
much feebleness of body, was clothed with 
sufficient ability to attend the funeral of his 
beloyed friend shortly afterwards. But the 
wasting energies of his manhood continued to 
decline, the shadows of the evening more and 
more lengthened around him, and as life's 
setting sun steadily approached the horizon, 
the good man calmly and peacefully approached 
the borders of the grave. 

4th month, 8th, 1851. Our beloved friend, 
Christopher Healy, was taken alarmingly ill, 
and upon being conducted to his chamber, he 
calmly surveyed his condition, and felt very 
apprehensive that this sickness would be his 
last ; and under the solemnity of the dispen- 
sation, and with the prospect of eternity before 
him, wished his friends to understand that he 
felt no condemnation ; but now felt that pas- 
sage of Scripture verified : " There is, there- 
fore, now no condemnation to them that are 



86 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, 
but after the spirit." 

Ath month, 11th. He said : "I feel very 
poorly, but tell all my friends that if I now 
go, I go well." 

The physician calling to see him, C. mani- 
fested solicitude on his account, and exhorted 
him to be careful that he did not get into the 
spirit of the world as some had clone. 

Although he seemed willing to try the reme- 
dies offered, yet intimated that he felt entire 
resignation to the Divine will. 

He appreciated the comforts with which he 
was surrounded, and contrasted them with the 
destitution of many of his fellow mortals, re- 
peating the language : " While some poor 
creatures scarce can tell where they may lay 
their heads." 

He said that the accumulation of wealth 
might have been a snare to him ; he had not 
sought great things, but what he had asked 
for had been abundantly granted. His mind 
seemed clothed with contentment and grati- 
tude. 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 87 

4th month, 19th. Some of his friends calling 
to see him, he imparted counsel, and desired 
that his love might be given to some distant 
ones. In the afternoon his articulation be- 
came much obstructed, so that but little that 
was handed forth from his exercised mind 
could be gathered ; but the following expres- 
sions were distinctly understood: " All is 
peace ; all is peace." " The righteous shall 
have living comfort." " The living praise the 
Lord, the dead cannot praise Him ; they may 
praise Him in the letter, but they cannot 
praise Him in the spirit." "Where the wicked 
cease from troubling, and the weary are at 
rest." " They that live in the spirit must 
walk in the spirit." "I have a hope, an ever- 
lasting hope." " My secret help, my hope and 
my salvation." 

4th month, 20th. His wife coming to his 
bedside, he said : " We have lived together 
many years in great harmony and good unity, 
and I believe that the time is drawing near 
when we shall have to part, and I hope we 
shall be favored to meet in a better country." 



88 THE LAST YEAK OF THE LIFE 

4 th month, 22d. This forenoon, he poured 
forth his feelings in the following pathetic 
language : " Oh ! if I can have patience, and 
pass away, how glad I shall be ; I do not 
think that I see anything in my way, all 
seems well ; what a favor to be an inhabitant 
of that City, that needeth not the light of the 
sun, nor of the moon to shine in it, for the 
glory of the Lord doth lighten it, and the 
Lamb is the light thereof. Oh ! if I could 
now quietly pass away to that blessed inherit- 
ance, how glad I should be. I hope there is 
nothing in my way ; my soul thirsteth for God, 
for the living God ; when shall I come and 
appear before Him ? ' As the heart panteth 
after the water brooks, so panteth , my soul 
after Thee, God.' " 

About noon to-day, he became nearly stran- 
gled by the accumulation of phlegm in the 
throat, and his friends were apprehensive that 
he was about to depart ; in his struggles for 
life, he said : "I cannot stand it, I must go. 
Oh, be honest! oh, be faithful! joy for ever- 
more appears great." 



OF CHRISTOPHEK HEALY. *89 

4th month, 24th. He said: " Christ knoweth 
His own sheep, and His sheep hear His voice; 
and He leadeth them out, and goeth before 
them ; and a stranger they will not follow, for 
they know not the voice of strangers." 

" Poor and unworthy as I am, I see nothing 
in my way, and hope I shall be patient until 
it shall please my Divine Master to cut short 
the thread of my life ; to cut short the work in 
righteousness." 

A beloved friend sitting by his bedside, he 
said: "We love each othet* in the Lord; we 
have both known the Truth, and the Truth 
has made us free ; and if Christ has made us 
free, then we are free indeed." 

He received messages of love from several * 
distant friends, which seemed very precious to 
his feelings, and said, he believed that many, 
in different places, felt united with him in 
spirit, and his clear love was to them. 

4th month, 25th. One of his daughters com- 
ing to see him he expressed gladness, and said 
he hoped that his children w T ould be willing 
to follow the footsteps of their father, who had 



90 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 



been made willing to take up the cross in 
young life, which had preserved him from 
many snares and temptations. 

At times he appeared to be much exercised 
on account of the afflictions of the Gospel, but 
there were times when he appeared to be look- 
ing forward to a brighter day ; in one of these 
seasons of encouragement, he quoted the Scrip- 
ture language : " Therefore I will allure her, 
and bring her into the wilderness, and speak 
comfortably unto her ; and I will give her 
vineyards from thence, and the valley of 
Achor for a door of hope ; and she shall sing 
there as in the days of her youth, as in the day 
when she came up out of the land of Egypt." 

" Oh ! if I could now settle away and go to 
sleep in the arms of my beloved Saviour, how 
glad I would be ; but it is not time yet, His 
time is the best time, and the right time. He 
has brought me through all my trials and 
temptations, and landed me safe in a well- 
grounded hope of a happy eternity." 

" What a consolation it is to me, and how 
glad I am that I can say at such a time as this, 



OF CEISTOPHEE HEALY. 91 

that I feel no condemnation; everything looks 
bright and pleasant; yes, as clear and as bright 
as the light. I have that hope which is as an 
anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, 
and ' enters into that within the veil whither 
our forerunner has gone."' 

" I have no wish to pass the morning; I am 
ready to leave this troublesome world ; to pass 
the valley and shadow of death, to that City 
whose inhabitants shall not hunger — hunger 
any more ; neither thirst — thirst any more ; 
for the Lamb which is in the midst of the 
throne shall feed them, and lead them into 
living fountains of waters, and Grod shall wipe 
away all tears from their eyes." 

" As, saith the Apostle, ' we have not fol- 
lowed cunningly devised fables, when we made 
known unto you the coming of our Lord Jesus 
Christ,' " 

" I have this to comfort me, that I have 
always believed the truths of the Grospel, that 
the true Grospel is the power of Grod unto sal- 
vation, to all them that believe. The angel 
flew through the midst of heaven, having the 



92 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 

everlasting Gospel to preach ; that everlasting 
Gbspel-was not a book, it was the power of God 
unto salvation ; the angel had no book, but he 
said, with a loud voice, fear God, and give 
glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is 
come, and worship Him who made heaven and 
earth, the sea and the fountains of waters. 
Ah ! that is the point. First, fear God, and 
then give glory to Him, and worship Him who 
made heaven and earth, the sea and the foun- 
tains of waters." 

" I now say as I have often said, friends speak 
often, one to another, and if we speak right, 
the Lord will hearken and hear ; I do not 
mean we should speak often one to another in 
common conversation, or about the things of 
the world, but about heavenly things ; encour- 
age one another, and endeavor to get into that 
pure state of mind in which we will say no 
evil, and think no evil ; and the Lord will 
hearken and hear, and a book of remembrance 
will be written for them that fear Him, and 
think upon His great and glorious name." 

While wrestling in spirit for the welfare of 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 93 



the Church, he said : u How shall we sing the 
Lord's song in a strange land ; ' if I forget 
thee, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget 
its cunning ; if I do not remember thee, let 
my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if 
I prefer not Jerusalem to my chief joy.' 

He placed a high value upon that unity 
which subsists among brethren baptized by the 
one spirit, into the one body, and in reference to 
such unity repeated the 133d Psalm: "Behold 
how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to 
dwell together in unity ; it is like the precious 
ointment upon the head, that ran down upon 
the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down 
to the skirts of his garment, as the dew of 
Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon 
the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord com- 
manded the blessing, even life for ever more." 

A friend making him a visit, he said: "I 
am glad thee has come to see me; we are poor 
things of ourselves, but how precious if we 
can only feel that we have no condemnation, 
that we are in Christ Jesus, the only safe 
abiding place. Oh, that our Divine Master 



94 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 



would bow the heavens and come down, and 
make way for His wrestling seed." 

4th month, 27th. What a pleasant morning: 
it is a morning without clouds ; is it so out of 
doors ? Being answered that it was a bright 
morning, he said : " All seems bright and 
pleasant with me, and if I could now pass 
away how glad I should be." 

Upon taking some water, he said : " It is 
but little more water that I shall need here, 
but believe that I will be permitted to partake 
freely of the waters of life." 

" He maketh me to lie down in green pas- 
tures. He leadeth me beside still waters ; 
though I walk through the valley of the 
shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou 
art with me ; thy rod and thy staif they com- 
fort me ; thou anointest my head with oil ; my 
cup runneth over." 

He desired that his dear love should be re- 
membered to some of his absent children, and 
"the dear little ones, they feel very near to 
my best life ; I hope they will be willing to 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 95 



walk in the footsteps of their poor old grand- 
father." 

In contemplating the approaching termina- 
tion of life, he made inquiry respecting some 
who had watched by his bedside, and being 
informed that they were absent, he hoped that 
some careful friend would be present at the 
time of his departure to close his eyes, and 
also desired that his children might be present. 

His little grandchildren approaching, he 
manifested much interest in their coming 
years, saying that he loved them dearly, and 
believed that they would remember him when 
he had gone to his long home. 

" I am going, I am going to my peaceful 
home, but hope to await quietly my appointed 
time." 

He said to a beloved Friend from a distant 
Yearly Meeting, that his labors were nearly 
closed, and that his peace was made. The 
Friend responded, "I have no doubt of that, 
and if I had never seen thee again in muta- 
bility, I should have had the assurance in my 
own breast, that thou hadst landed safely 



96 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

where the soul would forever be at rest ; and 
since sitting by thy bedside, I have been re- 
newedly confirmed in that assurance." 

Being under great bodily suffering, he 
exclaimed : " G Lord, be pleased to give me 
patience to endure unto the end, — my pain is 
very great; '" but even wdiile passing through 
this excrutiating affliction of body, his thoughts 
and feelings clustered around his loved ones, 
with pious solicitude for their best welfare, 
and continuing his Intercession, said, " and be 
Thou pleased to bless my dear wife and child- 
ren." He afterwards added: " your loss will 
be my gain, and I hope you feel it so." " My 
Lord was a man of sorrows, and acquainted 
with grief. You w r ill all have to pass through 
this last dispensation, and oh, be prepared ! ' 

5th month, 3d. Some friends from a distance 
calling to see him, he said : " I was much 
comforted, and had sweet peace, in visiting 
your part of the vineyard, believing, that 
many there were preferring Jerusalem to their 
chief joy, and may that number increase. Ah! 
dear friends speak often one to another of the 



OF CHEISTOPHER HEALY. 97 

good things to come ; keep in the unity, and a 
blessing will attend you. Grive my love to 
friends in your part of the land." "The Lord 
will bless Zion, when He pleases ; He will for- 
tify her walls ; He will set up her gates." 

" Lord, the mighty one of Israel, I feel 
Thy comfort, and rejoice and sing Thy name 
and Thy praises in the land of the living." 

"Unto you that fear my name, shall the sun 
of righteousness arise with healing in his 
wings." 

"Bless the simple-hearted, and all those who 
love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. For Zion's 
sake I cannot hold my peace, and for Jerusa- 
lem's sake I cannot rest," (and as if looking 
with an eye of faith to the future prosperity of 
the church,) " Gentiles shall see Thy right- 
eousness, and kings thy glory ; thou shalt also 
be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, 
and a royal diadem in the hand of our Grod. 
Thou shalt no more be termed forsaken, nei- 
ther shall thy land be desolate ; as the bride- 
groom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy 
Grod rejoice over thee. I have set watchmen 



98 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

over thy walls that shall not hold their peace, 
clay nor night." 

" What will become of the poor little precious 
flock and family ; may their heads be a little 
anointed with oil ; He will anoint their heads 
with oil." 

" Inquire after the good old ways, and the 
ancient paths, and shun the paths that lead 
to evil." 

Being in great pain, he passed a tedious and 
suffering night, and had obtained but little al- 
leviation the next morning; but through his 
protracted sufferings, his mind seemed to be 
centered on heavenly things, and clothed with 
devotion. He spent much of the night in 
earnest intercessions at the throne of grace ; 
his mind was unusually exercised ; he prayed 
fervently for the best welfare of his wife, his 
children, his friends, and for the Church of 
Christ ; and pending the decay of nature, was 
remarkably supplied with bodily endurance and 
spiritual support, manifesting abundant evi- 
dence that faithful ones are remembered in the 
hour of extremity, when vain is the help of man ; 



OF CHRISTOPHEE HEALY. 99 

and are sometimes even enabled to rejoice in 
tribulation, singing praises to their Creator in 
the midst of abundant suffering. His pious 
confidence and well grounded hope in the 
attainment of an inheritance incorruptible, that 
fadeth not away, was apparently unchangeable ; 
and his heavenly faifti, and hope, and trust, ap- 
peared as a light, shining more and more, until 
his unshackeled and redeemed spirit would be 
absorbed in immortality. 

His mind seemed to be carried back to the 
days of his youth, and he expressed his glad- 
ness that he had come out from the forms and 
ceremonies of a lifeless profession, and had 
been brought into the attainment of a more 
spiritual way. He spoke of the importance of 
bearing a faithful testimony to the faith once 
delivered to the saints, to the faith delivered 
to and appreciated by our forefathers ; and of 
the necessity of great watchfulness, lest hurt- 
ful things should take root amongst us, and 
weaken our faith in the precious doctrines and 
testimonies that had been confided to our care ; 
for, said he, "it Avas while men slept that the 

LOFC 



100 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 

enemy sowed tares ; ' and he seemed much 
impressed with the importance of endeavoring 
to preserve the seed clean, and its growth 
uncontaminated. 

He wrestled much in spirit for the welfare 
of Zion. The welfare of our Society, mingled 
abundantly with his best feelings, and his in- 
tercessions at times arose to the Father of 
mercies, that He would spare His people, and 
give not His heritage to reproach. 

It was but seldom that feelings of distress 
has been permitted to cloud his triumphant 
spirit, and they have soon passed away, and 
left his mind calm and peaceful as a morning 
without clouds, in the enjoyment of renewed 
faith, and holy hope and confidence. 

5th month, 6th. He intimated that his day's 
work was done, that his peace was made, that 
he was ready to depart ; but manifested no 
impatience on account of the protracted period 
of his earthly pilgrimage. 

There is a beautiful feature sometimes appa- 
rent in the experience of the devoted Christian, 
which seems to be the fulfilment of the com- 



OF CHRISTOPHEE HEALY. 101 

mandment, " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as 
thyself." This feature presents to our obser- 
vation a disinterested love and living desire 
for the preservation of all souls ; and it is be- 
lieved has seldom been more prominent in the 
experience of any of Zion's children, than in 
that of our departing friend; when health and 
liberty permitted, his labors in the line of 
religious duty flowed abundantly beyond the 
pale of our Society ; and as the energies of 
the outward man became prostrated, and the 
termination of his earthly existence apparently 
drew near, still that universal love of souls 
came up before him, and he supplicated fer- 
vently for this generation. 

5th month, 12th. A friend calling to see him, 
he said : " I love to meet my friends ; it gene- 
rally brings tenderness with it." 

He spent much of the night in supplication 
and exercise of soul, but owing to great ex- 
haustion and feebleness of articulation, but 
little could be gathered, except the frequent 
naming of his Maker, and a few detached 
sentences, such as, "How good;" " How.com- 



102 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 

fortable;" "How sweet;" u His glorious good 
presence;" "I love my friends." 

" Every one that will not bow in mercy, 
must bow in judgment." 

" Dear friends, fear God and keep His com- 
mandments, for this is the whole duty of man ; 
for God will bring every work into judgment, 
with every secret thing, whether it be good, 
or whether it be evil." 

He was often exercised on account of the low 
state of our once much favored Society ; but said 
it was his unshaken belief, that the doctrines 
and testimonies given our forefathers to bear, 
would not be suffered to fall to the ground ; 
but that there would be standard bearers 
raised up to proclaim the day of the Lord, as 
said the prophet : " I will turn my hand upon 
thee, and purge away thy dross; and I will 
restore thy judges as at the first, and thy coun- 
selors as at the beginning; afterward thou shalt 
be called the city of righteousness ; " then the 
song will be : "Lo, the winter is past, the rain 
is over and gone, the flowers appear upon the 
earth, the time of the singing of birds is come, 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 103 

and the voice of the turtle is heard in our 
land." 

btli month, IQth, 1851. This day about 11 
o'clock, our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, 
departed this life; an easy passage from the 
conflicts of time was mercifully granted; his 
close was calm and peaceful, his last words, 
peace, peace. 

A concern had long rested on his mind to 
have his remains enclosed in a coffin of very 
plain and simple appearance ; and at times 
during his illness, and especially as the solemn 
period of his departure drew near, the subject 
revived with increasing weight, and he ear- 
nestly enjoined the faithful performance of his 
wishes in this respect upon his friends. He 
said : " have my coffin made of white pine 
boards, without stain or coloring, brass hinges 
or lining ; have it flat on top, and let it be 
laid in the grave without an outside coffin." 
These requests were faithfully complied with ; 
and although the fulfilment of the conditions 
of this concern might present the aspect of 
needless singularity to some minds, yet it un- 



104 THE LAST YEAK OF THE LIFE 

mistakeably felt to our dear friend to be a 
matter of very grave importance, which he 
felt conscientiously bound to sustain. And be 
it remembered, that a corresponding rigid sim- 
plicity of burial prevailed among Friends of 
his native New England, among whom his 
lot was cast in his early years, and for a con- 
siderable portion of his life ; and it is most 
likely that he still felt attached to what he 
then valued as an appropriate and commenda- 
ble custom. But aside from these considera- 
tions, he had long mourned over what he was 
apprehensive might be an increasing propen- 
sity to exhibit a display at funerals, and which 
he feared was gradually leading us away from 
the becoming simplicity of our forefathers, and 
introducing us into a worldly spirit ; and he 
felt religiously anxious that his precepts or 
example might never tend to promote such 
departure. He also was apprehensive that it 
might not be entirely consistent with the will 
of an all-wise Creator, that there should be 
decoration and adorning about the remains of 
perishing mortality, which he had decreed 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 105 

should return to dust, and lose all their beauty 
and comeliness ; but that strict simplicity was 
more befitting the solemn occasion, and more 
accordant with the committing of dust to dust. 
Our dear friend undoubtedly felt that there 
was a necessity laid upon him to bear a faith- 
ful testimony against all appearance of pride 
or ostentation in the preparation of the poor 
body for the grave. 

5th month, 19th, 1851. To-day the remains 
of our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, were 
interred in Friends' burial-ground at Falls- 
ington, attended by a very large company of 
Friends and others ; after which a solid meet- 
ing was held, and much testimony was borne 
to the Christian virtues of the deceased ; to the 
faithful occupancy of the precious gifts that 
had been committed to his care ; and to the 
undoubted assurance that his soul had been 
gathered into the fold of everlasting rest and 
peace. 

1883. In Friends' modern burial-ground 
at Fallsington, in near proximity to many 
other inhabitants of this city of the dead, and 



106 THE LAST YEAR OF THE LIFE 



also adjacent to the Meeting-House, the scene 
of abundant labors of faithful ones now gath- 
ered to their everlasting rest, there is observa- 
ble a family row of four lowly graves, lying 
side by side. No letters engraved on sculp- 
tured marble proclaim the names and virtues 
of the departed ; such testimonials of worldly 
display would be sadly out of place here, and 
widely at variance with the pious precepts and 
examples set forth in the circumspect lives of 
those whose remains repose beneath these 
humble mounds. The green grass has for 
many summers taken root in the mother earth 
which marks these dwellings of the dead ; and 
the snows of winter, the sunshine and the rain, 
and innocent birds, and appreciative friends, 
have all been visitors here ; but the disem- 
bodied spirits, we humbly trust, are now 
surrounding the everlasting throne, with all 
tears wiped away from their eyes. The first 
grave, that by the south wall, is occupied with 
all that is mortal of our dear friend John 
Miller, long a substantial and much esteemed 
Elder, and father-in-law to Christopher Healy. 



OF CHRISTOPHEE HEALY. 107 

Shortly after his decease, in the year 1850, 
the appended notice thereof appeared in "The 
Friend." 



The good man's setting sun 
Hath a most holy radiance ; and its beams 
Linger the longest on the earth-weaned minds, 
Whose thoughts are nearest heaven ! 

We mourn thy absence venerable sage, 
Though well persuaded that we should not mourn, 
That having trod thy pilgrimage below, 
Thy Father's house received thee! Thou hast well 
Fulfilled thy mission in a world of sin, 
And entered to thy rest — that holy rest 
That still remaineth for the child of God ! 

Dearly beloved and venerated Friend, 
Thy upright bearing through a lengthened life 
Shone so conspicuous in thy daily walk, 
That as a light to others was thy path, 
Showing the road that Christian pilgrims tread ; 
And by example calling to the youth, 
"Follow ye me as I am following Christ! " 

Born in a foreign land he crossed the waves, 
While yet a boy, and reached our favored shores, 
Finding a refuge and protecting friend, — 
Beneath a roof where virtue loved to dwell. 
The Christian care that compassed him in youth, — 
The pious precepts of his Quaker friend, — 
The drawing cords of a Redeemer's love, — 
Performed their office on his honest heart, 



108 THE LAST YEAE OF THE LIFE 



And drew him to the truth his Friends professed. 
That truth that Fox in early days had taught, 
That truth that Barclay could so well defend, 
That truth that breathed on Pennington's pure page. 

The bud, the blossom, and the ripened fruit, 
In his experience knew their seasons come, 
Till he was found a Father in the Truth, 
A pillar in the temple of our church. 

With native strength of mind, with judgment clear, 
With zeal for Truth and with discernment keen, 
From left hand errors and from right hand free, 
He had the wisdom of the truly wise. 

As outward substance gathered round his home 
To snare his feet, Humility came in 
With guardian wings, and shielded him from harm ; 
Thrust ostentation from his calm abode, 
And made religion an abiding guest. 

His vacant seat 
Reminds us of our loss, — the church's loss ! 
But also of his everlasting gain. 
In life's decline deep suffering was his lot, 
Wearisome days and tedious nights were his — 
Yet, heaven-sustained, no murmuring thoughts went forth ; 
But he looked calmly toward the narrow house, 
And joyfully beyond. At length the sound, 
"It is enough," from the great Judge went forth, 
And the gate opened to the world of bliss, 
Where songs of praise eternally ascend 
From ransomed saints around the Father's throne. 



OF CHRISTOPHER HEALY. 109 

The next grave contains the remains of our 
beloved friend, Christopher Healy ; and those 
of his faithful and beloved wife, Sarah M. 
Healy, are deposited by his side. In the 
fourth grave the remains of Mark Healy are 
buried, the goodly and dutiful son, whose 
untimely death by accident, created such wide- 
spread sympathetic feeling at the period of 
its occurrence. Lovely were they in their 
lives, and in their deaths not long divided. 



NCV 10 1908 



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